Firm builds iPod speakers from packaging

If you bought an iPod Nano or Shuffle recently, don’t chuck out the box - one intrepid manufacturer can help you turn it into a micro speaker system.

Bird Electron's speaker: fits snugly into the iPod's packaging

The Recycling Speaker from Japanese gadget manufacturer Bird Electron is simply a speaker panel that clips inside the plastic packaging of either Apple’s first- or second-generation Nano, or its second- or third-generation Shuffle.

If you’re put off the idea because you think it sounds complicated, fear not: there’s no welding, hammering or Tim ‘The Tool Man’ Taylor-style DIY required. The speaker unit just slots into the top of the packaging, drawing its power from the iPod. The speaker, without the box, measures 103 x 53 x 3mm.

The create-your-own speaker’s available now from Bird Electron’s Japanese website for ¥3000 (£14/€19/$28).